The Senate gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill naming the new Mississippi River bridge after Musial. The bill also designates a portion of Interstate 70 in downtown St. Louis after Gammon, who died working on the new bridge last year.

Musial, the seven-time National League batting champion, died in January. The bridge is expected to open sometime next year.

The measure needs one more vote in the Senate before moving to the House. Illinois lawmakers would also need to agree to name the new bridge after Musial.